The Top 5 Vegetarian Restaurants in Los Angeles

It’s time to dismiss the notion that ‘vegetarian’ is synonymous with salad. In fact, some restaurants are so good that you might be confused as to whether you’re eating seitan or steak. Thankfully, in outrageously healthy Los Angeles, you have a variety of tasty options. Really, could there be a better city in which to be meat-free?

1
Mélisse

Who says that a vegetarian can’t be gourmet? Mélisse manages to turn that outdated concept on its ear with aplomb. Situated in the heart of Santa Monica, this Michelin 2-star award-winning bistro consistently impresses with its traditional French food, which also happens to include a veggie-specific tasting menu. Chef/Owner Josiah Citrin has created a bill of fare as chic and elegant as his restaurant. Patrons will be treated to dishes like a Pumpkin and Crème Fraiche Agnolotti and a Cassoulet made of portabella mushrooms and smoked paprika. As the French say, Mélisse is tres magnifique.

1104 WILSHIRE BLVD
SANTA MONICA, CA 90401

2
Inn of the Seventh Ray

There’s no denying that the Inn of the Seventh Ray’s Topanga Canyon location is one of the most romantic you’ll find in Los Angeles, but its food now rivals its ambiance. Bradley Miller, a former Hell’s Kitchen contestant and one-time chef at downtown’s French eatery Patina, creates nearly all his meals from local produce. Vegetarian-friendly fare includes Crispy Vegan Duck and Vegan Angel Hair Arrabiata; tofu also features on the extensive brunch menu. With the Inn’s twinkling fairy lights, waterfall patio and mouth-watering veggie-friendly desserts like Cinnamon Sugar Banana Beignets and Almond Milk Brulee, it’s hard not to fall in love here.

128 Old Topanga Canyon Road, Topanga Canyon, CA

3
Cru

Cru is, both literally and figuratively, cool. Not only is this trendy restaurant located in trendy Silverlake, but it also serves 100% raw vegan fare. Though you might raise an eyebrow to see a pizza on the menu, you’ll definitely be pleasantly surprised to see that your meal is made of Italian walnut pumpkin sausage, shitake mushrooms and coconut cream. The dishes may look like artwork, but they’ll definitely taste good enough to eat.

1521 Griffith Park Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

4
Breeze at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza

The Hyatt Regency Century Plaza is over 45 years old, but it’s a hotel that still manages to roll with the bunches. Its restaurant, Breeze, implemented a separate vegan menu last summer inspired by the creations of renowned Chef Tal Ronnen. The Plaza’s Senior Executive Chef, Manfred Masshan, offers an assortment of dishes like wild mushroom risotto made with cashew cream and butternut squash bruschetta. For those with a sweet tooth, there’s even vegan tiramisu, which still manages to taste delectable despite its lack of cream.

2025 Avenue of the Stars
Los Angeles, CA

5
Mohawk Bend

All veggies and vegans who are sick of ordering from the same small selection will rejoice at Mohawk Bend. Meat-eaters are in the minority at this Echo Park establishment, whose menu is 20-percent red meat and poultry, 20-percent lacto/ovo vegetarian and 60-percent vegan. Regardless, everyone who dines there will be delighting in 100% California-grown ingredients. But it isn’t just the food that will have patrons giving Mohawk high praise, as it’s décor is just as unique as its menu. The Ramona Room, a fine-dining area, an atrium and a pub are all on the premises at this retrofitted Vaudeville theatre.